Maine’s members of Congress find areas of agreement in president’s speech

Members of Maine’s congressional delegation were generally encouraged by President Trump’s first address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, seeing issues where they could find common ground.

“While I do not agree with everything the president advocated for tonight, like the misguided push to repeal the Affordable Care Act, I was encouraged to hear him express a desire to work with Congress to address several other critical issues, including fighting the opioid epidemic, lowering prescription drug prices and increasing access to affordable childcare and paid family leave,” Sen. Angus King, an independent, said in a statement.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, said she was encouraged by the “unifying, optimistic address” Trump delivered.

“I was very pleased to hear the president call on members of both parties to come together on behalf of the American people and focus on creating jobs, growing our economy, helping our veterans and keeping our nation safe,” she said in a statement.

Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, was pleased to hear the president touch on several issues where she agrees with him, including rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and strengthening trade.

“I’ll be watching closely to see if the president follows through on the promises he made,” Pingree said in a statement. “His record so far makes me skeptical.”

Rep. Bruce Poliquin, R-2nd District, said Trump’s speech should resonate with his constituents, who Poliquin said have suffered for years from poor policies, unfair trade deals, fewer jobs and less economic opportunities.

“Since my first day in office, I have made protecting and growing jobs in Maine my number one priority. Tonight, President Trump made it clear that growing our nation’s economy will be his top priority,” Poliquin said.

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